How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock Door locks are your home's most important security feature. When they start to wear out or are damaged it's time to replace them. It's also an excellent method to refresh your interior decor, or provide the feeling of security that comes with divorce or an unmarried family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a new door lock. Replacement vs. Rekeying Changing your locks is one way to improve the security of your property. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of replacing locks or rekeying them. Rekeying is a better alternative if you don't wish to replace your entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper process than replacing completely your locks, since it is only changing the key pins that are inside the cylinder, not changing the entire lock. Rekeying your locks could make them work with a different set of keys, which will obliterate the old ones and making it harder for those who have access to gain entry into your home or business. This is a popular choice for new homeowners who wish to ensure that previous owners or anyone else with a copy of the key isn't able to enter without being caught. It is also beneficial for those who are worried about a rogue office worker, since they can use it to prevent them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas of the building. Rekeying has limited benefits for security. It's not much to deter people from physically attempting to get in, and it does nothing to stop them if they do succeed in forcing their way into the premises in any way. If you're worried about this, you ought to consider switching to a deadbolt, instead of rekeying the locks. Another scenario where you might consider changing your locks is if you've been the victim of theft. This is a common incident for businesses, so it's important to act quickly in the event of this happening. By rekeying your locks you'll be able stop the thieves from accessing sensitive areas of the company, and it will also help you have the chance to file an investigation in the event that something does go wrong. The best reason to replace your locks is if they're damaged or damaged beyond repair. This can be as simple as a bolt that isn't moving or a broken handle that won't let you open. It may also be an excellent idea to swap locks if they're made from poor quality hardware that can be easily altered like a lever or door knob with spring-loaded latches which can be easily manipulated using a credit card. Measure Your Door Before you pick a lock, you have to know what dimensions you're working with. You can measure these dimensions using the tape, a pencil or pen. The measurements you get using your fingers or arm's-length aren't accurate. Measure the width of the opening from the bottom, middle and top. Be sure not to include the frame. You can also measure the height from the floor to the threshold (for doors with interior doors) or the top of the inner portion of the frame. If your door has been drilled to accommodate mortise locks you'll need a few extra measurements. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole that was pre-drilled. The most common backsets (or 44mm and the 57mm) are 1" and 2". Once you've determined the location you'd like your deadbolt to be, you'll need to know the depth of the hole inside the door, which is measured from the top of the door to the centerline of the latch opening for actuation in new installations or from the bottom of the door to the top of the lock strike in existing openings. In the end, you'll need decide if your new door is going to be in-swing or out-swing. This is crucial because certain locks require a certain installation technique that is based on the direction of swing. Once you've gathered all of your measurements, it's time to shop for a new lock! Be sure to keep all of your measurements in one place and bring them with you when you visit the store to choose a lock. This will allow you to find the perfect fit for your door and make sure that it looks great. Good luck and happy shopping! Contact us for any questions! https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/altrincham-window-lock-repairs-near-me/ to help! We're open from Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also reach us on Facebook or Twitter. We look forward hearing from you! Find the Right Lock You'll have to choose the right lock for your home. The best locks are high-graded and provide a good protection against thieves who might be looking to steal your home. Grade 1 locks are thought to be the most durable and are recommended for the front door. Start by visiting the website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will offer complete instructions for installation as well as a customer support hotline. They will also have recommendations on how to install their products on the door you have chosen. This will assist you in determining whether this is something you can do by yourself or if a contractor will be required. If you are installing the lock for the first time it is essential that you choose the right keyhole size. If the keyhole isn't big enough it will have to be enlarged or you may want to consider the design of your lock. You should also consider the thickness of your door as not all deadbolts work with all doors. They usually come rated for either 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, but if your door is thicker or smaller, you'll have to find one that will fit correctly. Another important thing to consider is the materials that are used in the lock. It is not necessary to purchase a cheap lock because it's possible for a burglar to gain entry into your Burlington home. Choose a lock that has the highest rating from BHMA. If you have a newer door, you might want to look at the security ratings of the lever and knob to ensure they meet your standards. This is especially true when you have children living in the home or the previous owners might still have keys to your home. Replacing locks is a relatively simple DIY project. With the proper tools and a bit of knowledge, you can replace your locks in just an hour. This is a great method to update the appearance of your home without spending a fortune. You'll also be able rest assured that your possessions and family are secure. Install the Lock Your door is the entry to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most valuable to you. It could be your family, pets or possessions, you want to be confident that they're safe. If your lock isn't working, it's time to replace it. It's more expensive to replace your lock than change the key, but you get the added benefit of locking your door in the frame. Deadbolts are impossible to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it more difficult for thieves to gain access using the use of a wrench. Get help from a locksmith if you aren't sure what type of lock is right for your door. Before installing your new lock, you'll have to take the old lock out of the door. First, loosen the screws that hold the handle section to the exterior lock sections. Then you will need a screw driver to pry the two lock halves away. Then, you can remove the old knob and latch from the door. When installing your new door lock make sure you install it correctly. The latch should fit into the latch plate opening and have a tapered edge that is fitted into the hole for the turning lock. The screw holes should be aligned on the inside of your door to match the deadbolt and latch to the rods for receiving. This will allow screws to be inserted correctly and will prevent them from becoming loose as time passes. If you're using the same lock you can leave the latch and strike plate in place. Compare them with the new lock, and if you find that they're not the right fit you can purchase replacements. Once you have the new hardware installed It's time to put in the lock. Begin by placing the deadbolt cylinder into its proper spot. When you do this pay particular attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will help you remember that you're putting it on the right side of the door. Then, screw the interior and exterior plates together with the long screws that come with the new lock.